Rain poured heavily, thunder crackling across the darkened sky. The men surrounding Toji stared him down, their expressions filled with disdain.
"Takakura Toji," one of them spat, stepping forward. "You are notorious for the things you have committed. We do not spare anyone that tramples on the system—not even kids."
The moment he finished speaking, they lunged.
Toji tensed, preparing to react—
BANG!
A deafening noise shattered the scene.
His eyes snapped open. He was no longer in the alley, no longer standing in the rain. Instead, he sat on his bed, heart pounding, drenched in sweat.
"A dream?" he muttered, running a hand through his hair. The sound of the thunderous bang still rang in his ears. It had felt real, yet now, he was back in his lodging.
Still shaken, he got out of bed and made his way downstairs, where the warm glow of lanterns greeted him. The inn's attendant, the same woman who had given him food the night before, was wiping down a counter.
He approached her. "What was that sound just now?"
She looked up and smiled. "Ah, that must've been the fireworks. Today is the Day of Roses."
"The Day of Roses?"
She nodded, setting her rag aside. "It's a grand festival we hold every year in this town."
Toji raised an eyebrow. "What's it about?"
The woman shrugged. "No one knows exactly how it started. It's just… always been around."
"For how long?"
"Over six hundred thousand years."
Toji's eyes widened slightly. "Six hundred thousand years? That's ancient."
She chuckled. "Indeed. But it's a joyous occasion, so I suggest you enjoy it. Just don't get into trouble today, alright? It's supposed to be a nice day."
He smirked. "Alright, I'll behave."
With that, he stepped outside.
The town was completely transformed. Everywhere he looked, there was red. Red cloth draped from buildings, red roses adorned street lamps, and even the merchants' horses wore red sashes. The scent of fresh flowers mixed with the aromas of street food, and laughter filled the air as people celebrated.
Toji took it all in as he wandered through the streets, observing the festivities. However, his focus shifted when he noticed a particularly grand carriage approaching. Unlike the other merchant carriages, this one was guarded by knights in pristine armor, their movements disciplined and sharp.
"Royalty?" he murmured to himself as he turned away. "Well, not my business."
He stepped toward a weapon shop, intent on finding a proper sword. However, as he entered, something unusual happened.
Inside the extravagant carriage, a young woman peered through the window. The moment her eyes landed on Toji, her breath hitched. She didn't know why, but her heart pounded as she watched him enter the shop. Without hesitation, she gave her orders.
The carriage halted.
Moments later, the shop door creaked open. Toji had just finished purchasing a sword when he heard soft footsteps behind him. He turned slightly—
A woman stood before him. Her deep blue dress was embroidered with golden patterns, her raven-black hair elegantly tied, and her emerald eyes shone with curiosity. The moment she spoke, her words took him by surprise.
"I would like to invite you to dinner with my family."
Toji blinked. "Huh?"
The guards standing behind her immediately objected. "Princess, this is inappropriate!"
Princess? Toji's gaze flickered back to the young woman.
She ignored her guards, her focus solely on Toji. "Not only dinner. I want you to spend the day in the castle as well."
The guards exchanged looks of disbelief. "Your Highness, this man is—"
"I don't care," she interrupted, firm in her decision. "He is coming with me."
Toji exhaled through his nose, amused by the sheer force of her will. "You sure about this?"
"I am."
With a shrug, he nodded. "Alright then."
He stepped onto the carriage, taking a seat opposite the princess as the guards reluctantly complied. As the carriage set into motion, Toji leaned back and crossed his arms.
"I should at least know the name of the person inviting me into their home."
She smiled. "Elina Ares."
His relaxed posture stiffened slightly. That name…
Before he could finish his thought, the horses neighed, and the guards called out—
"We're here, Princess."
The moment Toji stepped out of the carriage, his eyes fell upon the castle before him. Its towering spires reached for the heavens, its white marble walls glowing under the afternoon sun.
Elina turned to him. "And what about you? You haven't introduced yourself yet."
Toji composed himself, standing straight before her.
"My name is Takakura Toji," he said smoothly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess."
She tilted her head. "Takakura… Toji? That's a weird name."
He smirked. "I've heard that before."
Elina stepped forward and gestured to the castle gates. "Well, welcome to my home."
As Toji walked through the entrance, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
"This place… it's interesting."